Portable chamois wringer

ABSTRACT

A device mechanism for wringing and removing moisture in a chamois and rags. This device features a way to easily and quickly install on a support structure and be ready for immediate use. The device is comprised primarily of four general parts: a wringer body containing the rollers; a wringer handle for operation and turning of the rollers; a support structure for which to hold and mount the device; and, a means to mount the Portable Chamois Wringer to the support structure. This reduces labor expended and makes the act of washing and rinsing vehicles much easier and simpler.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/727,407 filed Oct. 17, 2005 by Paul Evans and Rebecca Evans and titled “Portable Chamois Wringer”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a versatile Portable Chamois Wringer device. Particularly this device is useful to persons when they are cleaning and washing vehicles and other large surface items using a chamois, towels and other cloth or cloth-like aids. As the description will show, there are a multitude of wringers available from prior art, yet none teach or imply an easily portable device that may be used in domestic and commercial settings. The present invention relates generally to a mechanical device which may be used with a chamois or cloth.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

None.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

The new Portable Chamois Wringer device described in this specification is a mechanism that is designed to easily and quickly install on a support structure and be ready to use to reduce moisture in rags and chamois in various uses. The portability and simple new use is the crux of this device.

A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed

Devices used for most moisture reduction applications have traditionally been a part of a complex drying means such as a clothes dryer. The mechanisms have been usually designed for higher volume applications, not suited for the individual immediate needs to reduce moisture from a cloth.

B. Prior Art

Historically, wringers for cloth and other materials have been a part of the technology improvement as the washers—domestic and commercial—have evolved. Several devices have attempted to improve upon parts of the problems as stated. In use, the prior art devices were often complex, difficult to install and limited in use. The new Portable Chamois Wringer device addresses these limitations and provides a solution to the stated problems.

Examples of prior wringer devices begin with U.S. Pat. No. 60,102 issued to J. White (1866). This invention teaches a pair of opposite roller devices engaged by a foot mechanism to produce pressure to remove moisture from a common mop. It teaches a fairly simple concept means to reduce moisture but not for more intense and pressured wringing of moisture from general rags or from a sophisticated chamois.

Next, is a review of U.S. Pat. No. 969,952 issued to Harris (1910) which teaches a complex wringer device permanently attached to a washer tub and other parts of the washing machine itself. It teaches no separate mounting for use with individual rags or chamois and is a fairly complex design compared to the instant invention. The next patent issued in this general field is the U.S. Pat. No. 1,015,450 issued to McCloskey called a mop wringer. It is a multi-roll, complex device used for mop devices on a bucket.

Another mop wringer issued to Lawlor is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 1,085,346 issued in 1914. This device shows another mop wringer device accompanied by a hand crank and another foot activation mechanism. This is far more complex in number of parts and configuration than the instant Portable Chamois Wringer device. A U.S. Pat. No. 1,538,511 issued to Burkett (1925) was focused at keeping the rollers clean by an unusual and complex series of “stakes” on the mechanism. The U.S. Pat. No. 1,673,473 issued to Sands (1927) teaches a detachable mop wringer on top of a portable bucket. No uses or anticipation of use beyond a mop wringer are shown or claimed.

Another wringing apparatus for use on the top of a bucket is shown in the patent issued to Overaker in 1971 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,700,071. The apparatus addresses the portable mechanism to wring material away from facilities in an institutional building such as a church or other care facility. It is unlikely that one anticipates using this device for the projected use anticipated with the Portable Chamois Wringer device. This new combination concept would replace most of these commercial service wringer needs.

Another device is revealed by the U.S. Pat. No. 2,207,215 issued to Clapper et al (1937). This device is on an older styled tub washer and requires a complex vertical shaft and series of horizontal rollers. The concept of the present device is considerably simpler. The device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,951 by Haines et al and issued in 1954 portrays a pivoting device to engage the rollers. The very small device is mounted to the washer machine or other surfaces by suction cups on the base. It is more singular in purpose as compared to the simple, widely useful concept of the Portable Chamois Wringer device shown here.

The Dry wiping system for vehicles shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,643 issued in 1980 to Beer et al portrays a vehicle drying system that is used for the entire vehicle. The scope and complexity of this greatly exceeds the simple wringer device portrayed here. Another wringer device is taught by Foster et al in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,049 issued in 1989. This roller concept shows a system with corrugated rollers and claims use of the device with less force. The device is more complex than the concept presented here and does not teach simple portability.

Another chamois wringer is taught by the U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,364 issued to Leenders in 1992. This device shows a foot-operated device to accomplish similar results from a significantly different configured device. A portable wringer is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,586 patent issued to Ritson, et al in 2003. This concept shows a chamois wringer with many more parts and complex design as compared to the instant invention of the Portable Chamois Wringer. The device teaches a reservoir and needs a flat surface for use. This is unlike the present concept shown with the Portable Chamois Wringer.

As far as known from the patent and publication searches completed, there are no Portable Chamois Wringer devices at the present time which fully meet this need with as few components and with superior operation as the present device. It is believed that this device is made with fewer parts, is of a more durable and simple design, and is with much improved and unanticipated capabilities than any previous wringer devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A Portable Chamois Wringer has been developed for use by persons that need to remove liquid and moisture from a chamois or cloth items which are used to clean vehicles or large surfaces. Desired and described by this invention is a portable device. A person washing and rinsing a vehicle or large surface area normally has to physically “wring” and twist-together the chamois or towel to remove the majority of the moisture held. However, this instant device, the Portable Chamois Wringer, provides a simple and easy alternative to this physical labor. This improvement to labor expended makes the act of washing and rinsing vehicles much easier and simpler. This provides the normal person or commercial user with an easy means to remove moisture from the chamois or cloth.

The Portable Chamois Wringer is comprised primarily of four general parts: a wringer body containing the rollers; a wringer handle for operation and turning of the rollers; a support structure for which to hold or mount the Portable Chamois Wringer device; and, means to mount the Portable Chamois Wringer to the support structure.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

There are several objects and advantages of the Portable Chamois Wringer. There currently exist only a few simple wringer devices and no known portable mechanisms for easily moving to a place of use other than a normal utility or wash room. In this regard for portability, it would be advantageous to have a Portable Chamois Wringer which permits the user to have the device wherever it is convenient for use. This improvement provides mobility and ease of use.

One advantage and object of the present invention is to provide a Portable Chamois Wringer which easily moves to the needed location. Once in place, an individual Portable Chamois Wringer may be used to remove liquid and moisture from a chamois or cloth.

Another advantage is that the device is small and easy to move. The supporting structure of the Portable Chamois Wringer is foldable and/or collapsible for easy movement and storage during non-use. People who do not have training for the equipment may easily control the size of the device for use and for storage. The Portable Chamois Wringer collapses to a relatively flat configuration.

The device is a new use for the wringer devices. Most wringers are today a powered or electrical device. This returns the basic wringer to a non-powered hand device for simple, portable use.

A specific need to have an inexpensive, affordable device for both residential and commercial use is another objective. The configuration of this device makes it quickly and easily assembled and used at the home or business.

Another objective is to provide a simple, high quality device that is durable for continued use. The design of the preferred embodiment uses basic steel and fiber that provides a strong device that will endure years of use and/or abuse. The exterior may be coated to facilitate easy cleaning and to prevent oxidation or other deterioration. Other non-corrosive materials such as stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or strong composite materials may be substituted and not deviate from the scope and spirit of the Portable Chamois Wringer.

Finally, other advantages and additional features of the present Portable Chamois Wringer will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art of devices and improvements for wringer devices, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this mechanism are readily adapted to other types of portable and fixed devices that employ a wringer for removal of liquids and moisture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Portable Chamois Wringer Device that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Portable Chamois Wringer Device. It is understood, however, that the Portable Chamois Wringer Device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

The drawings and illustrations include:

FIG. 1 is a sketch of a prototype assembly and the preferred embodiment of the Portable Chamois Wringer Device.

FIG. 2 is a sketch of the preferred embodiment of the Portable Chamois Wringer with component details shown.

FIG. 3 for FIGS. 3 A through 3 C are sketch views of the preferred embodiment from various angles.

FIG. 4 are additional sketches of the preferred Portable Chamois Wringer.

FIG. 5 are sketches of views for one type of wringer body.

FIGS. 6 A through 6 D illustrate operation details of the wringer body for a one type of Portable Chamois Wringer device.

FIGS. 7 A and B operation sketches of the prototype Portable Chamois Wringer device.

FIGS. 8 A and B show additional operation sketches of the prototype Portable Chamois Wringer device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

The following list of detail items refers to the drawings:

-   -   31 general assembly of the Portable Chamois Wringer     -   32 wringer body     -   33 wringer handle     -   33A wringer handle extension/connecting means     -   34 mounting means     -   35 support structure     -   35A support structure collapsed     -   36 chamois or cloth     -   37 bucket or the like     -   38 roller adjustment means (threaded fastener or the like)     -   38A adjustment bar     -   39 rollers     -   40 roller encasement     -   41 roller bushing or the like     -   42 miscellaneous assembly fasteners     -   43 means to turn the Portable Chamois Wringer (manual)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present device is a wringer device called a Portable Chamois Wringer 31 for use with cleaning and rinsing a vehicle or other large surfaces. The Portable Chamois Wringer 31 consist primarily of four general parts: a wringer body 32 containing the rollers; a wringer handle 33 for operation and turning of the rollers; a support structure 35 for which to hold or mount the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 device; and, means to mount 34 the Portable Chamois Wringer to the support structure 35. A person having ordinary skill in the field of wringer devices and mechanisms such as this appreciates the various parts that may be used to physically permit this Portable Chamois Wringer 31 to be produced and utilized.

The improvement over the existing art is providing a device that:

-   -   a). easily moves to the needed location;     -   b). is small and easy to move;     -   c). is a new use for the wringer devices;     -   d). has an inexpensive, affordable device for both residential         and commercial use;     -   e). is quickly and easily assembled and used at the home or         business; and     -   f). is a simple, high quality device that is durable for         continued use.

There is shown in FIGS. 1-8 a complete operative embodiment and method of using the Portable Chamois Wringer Device 31. In the drawings and illustrations, one may note well that the FIGS. 1-8 demonstrate the general configuration of this invention. The preferred embodiment of the device is comprised of only a few parts as shown in the drawings and sketches. The Portable Chamois Wringer 31 is comprised primarily of four general parts: a wringer body 32 containing the rollers; a wringer handle 33 for operation and turning of the rollers; a support structure 35 for which to hold or mount the Portable Chamois Wringer device; and, means to mount 34 the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 to the support structure 35. Part of the device includes fasteners 42 and other means to interconnect and attach all the parts together as one device.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 device.

FIG. 1 is a sketch of a prototype assembly and the preferred embodiment of the Portable Chamois Wringer Device 31. This device shown is the preferred embodiment of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31.

In FIG. 2 is a sketch of the preferred embodiment of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 with component details shown. The wringer body 32 is attached to the support structure 35 by some mounting means 34. The preferred embodiment includes one or more attachment means 34. Additionally, there is shown a handle 33 to operate the Portable Chamois Wringer 31. The chamois or cloth 36 and a bucket 37 complete the normal combination of components used with the Portable Chamois Wringer 31.

Various materials are suitable to manufacture the Portable Chamois Wringer 31. The prototype shown in FIG. 2 is made of a steel encasement that has been painted to prevent corrosion and of hard and durable fiber rollers. However, as one skilled in the art of making similar devices for wringing moisture and liquid from a chamois or cloth appreciates the many other materials that may be suitable for this device. For example, and not as a limitation, the encasement for the device could readily be made from other metals (sheet or pot cast), from composite materials, from plastic, and from other rigid materials with strength to contain the wringer rollers. Various materials might have different thicknesses or dimensions. These dimensions would be easily determined and varied based on simple empirical tests to confirm the strength capability is met for the material used. For the exterior coating, for the materials that are susceptible to corrosion or for aesthetic purposes, the surface may have paint, powder coating, and/or coating the encasement with an elastomeric material (such as rubber or other synthetics). The material may alternatively have a surface treatment such as zinc, nickel or chrome plating, anodizing, or other treatment. Finally, some materials may have an inherent protection or aesthetic quality such as stainless steel, the composite compounds, and the plastic materials. The prototype fiber rollers are hard and durable. Alternative materials for the roller are numerous fiber materials, light metals (such as aluminum for example); composite materials; various plastics; pot metals like zinc, and impregnated or coated cardboard.

In FIG. 3 for FIGS. 3 A through 3 C are sketch views of the preferred embodiment from various angles. FIG. 3A shows the side view of a prototype Portable Chamois Wringer 31 shown mounted on the support structure 35. The attachment means 34 and handle 33 are also depicted in this view. FIG. 3 B is a picture of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 from the side in a collapsed or folded position. Here the relative “thin” profile is depicted for the Portable Chamois Wringer 31. This view demonstrates the ease for storage of the device 31 when not in use. FIG. 3 C is a view from the back in a collapsed, storage mode for the Portable Chamois Wringer 31.

FIG. 4 are additional sketches of the preferred Portable Chamois Wringer 31. FIG. 4A is a rear view of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 with all the components and features as described above. FIG. 4B is a close-up side view showing the wringer body 32, the handle 33, the support structure 35 and the attachment means 34.

FIG. 5 are sketches of close-up views for one type of wringer body. In FIG. 5 A, all the above described components including the wringer body 32, the handle 33, and the attachment means 34 are shown. The example shown of an attachment means 34 is a simple U-clamp with a simple threaded thumb screw through the clamp body with a disk or surface to grip the supporting means. This could of course be on a foldable structure 35 or an attachment to a wall or fence. Other clamping means are spring-loaded clamps with one handle integral to the wringer body; simple bar clamps; quick-grip clamps and the like. Additionally, the roller adjustment means 38 is shown. In FIG. 5B, the adjustment means 38 and the handle extension/connector 33A is depicted.

FIGS. 6 A through 6 D illustrate operation details of the wringer body 32 for a one type of Portable Chamois Wringer 31 device. FIGS. 6 A through 6 D show the various parts that comprise a standard wringer body 32. Here, the adjustment means 38 and its collateral adjustment bar 38A are depicted. Also, the roller encasements 40, the actual rollers 39, the mounting bushings 41 and the various fasteners 42 are shown. The function of the collective combination of these devices may be accomplished by other means and do not limit or diminish the scope and spirit of the portable, mobile use of similar wringer devices which are fully encompassed by this invention.

FIGS. 7 A and B are operation sketches of the prototype Portable Chamois Wringer 31 device. Shown here are the Portable Chamois Wringer 31, the handle 33, and the wringer body 32 in conjunction with the support structure 35 and the chamois or cloth 36. Also, the auxiliary bucket 37 is shown.

FIGS. 8 A and B show additional operation sketches of the prototype Portable Chamois Wringer 31 device. Shown are the wringer body 32, the handle 33, a means to turn 43 (here a human hand to drive and operate the mechanism), and the operative product—a chamois or cloth 36. The auxiliary bucket 37 and support 35 are also depicted. All are well within the scope and spirit of the invention presented here for the Portable Chamois Wringer 31.

The details mentioned here for the preferred embodiment is exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components specific to describing a Portable Chamois Wringer 31 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of mechanical wringer devices well appreciates.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

People using a Portable Chamois Wringer 31 and other type of wringer devices fully understand the advantage of a portable device. Hence, the user of a wringer may well understand and appreciate the above described benefits of having a means to easily remove liquid and moisture from a chamois or cloth by means of a portable, easily moved device.

The new Portable Chamois Wringer 31 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device is assembled and operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31.

FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8 are sketches of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31. The wringer body 32 is directly attached to a support 35 by a means 34. Here, a folding metal device (similar to a folding chair mechanism) represents the support structure 35. One skilled in the art fully appreciates the plethora of supports 35 that may be floor or wall mounted and still provide portability to the wringer body 32.

Once the device 32 is mounted, the actual operation is well known to individuals. A cloth or chamois 36 is inserted between the rollers 39 which are an integral part of the wringer body 32. The chamois or cloth 36 is engaged with the rollers 39. As the handle 33 is turned by some means 43, the chamois 36 transverses between the adjacent rollers 39. As this occurs, any excess moisture or liquid is forced out of the chamois 36 by the forced compression between the rollers 39. The amount of force created by the rollers 39 on the chamois 36 may be changed to increase or decrease by the adjustment means 38 which in turn moves the adjustment bar 38A. As the adjustment bar changes position, the rollers 39 are forced closer together or released farther apart which in turn changes the force imparted from the rollers 39 to the chamois 36. If needed or desired, the chamois 36 may be reinserted between the rollers 39 as additional times in order to force or squeeze additional moisture from the chamois 36.

There are many conceivable uses for a Portable Chamois Wringer 31. A few have been illustrated below in TABLE A. These uses described above and in the table below are exemplary and not limiting. TABLE A Examples of Uses for the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 Item Description Comment 1 Washing a car or Residential use other vehicle 2 Cleaning a large During a trip or at a permanent Recreational Vehicle park (RV) or trailer 3 Removal of moisture at a beach or swimming area 4 Cleaning clothes at On camping trips or at a a remote site motel/hotel setting 5 Cleaning Vehicles Commercial use 6 Removal of excess Residential and commercial use moisture at home or a Laundromat after washing and prior to drying 7 Removal of excess Sweaters, silk, and special moisture from items fabrics that will be “drip dried”

With this description it is to be understood that the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment. The features of the Portable Chamois Wringer 31 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description. 

1. A portable device used for wringing moisture from a chamois, comprising: (a) a wringer body made of a durable material containing a set of opposite turning rollers made of a firm, durable material; (b) a means to engage and rotate the rollers; (c) a wringer handle for turning one of the rollers; (c) a means to connect the handle to the engagement means; (d) a support structure for which to mount the wringer body; and (e) a means to mount the wringer body to the support structure whereby the wringer is easily installable to the support without tools or fasteners and the device is quickly ready for use.
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to mount the body to the support is a simple threaded clamp integrally mounted to the wringer body.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to mount the body to the support is a simple spring clamp integrally connected to the wringer body.
 4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the material for the wringer body is metal.
 5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the material for the wringer body is a composite material.
 6. The device according to claim 5 wherein the composite material for the wringer body is plastic.
 7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the material for the roller is plastic.
 8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the material for the rollers is pressed fibers surface coated with a water impervious material.
 9. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to engage and rotate the rollers are an adjustment bar, a thumb screw and two roller bushings each bushing at opposite ends of the rollers Whereby the adjustment bar forces one roller against the other as the one roller is turned by the handle.
 10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the support structure for which to mount the wringer body is a folding structure with a means to be unfolded and configured to support the wringer device.
 11. The device according to claim 1 wherein the support structure for which to mount the wringer body is a wall with a bracket. 